Malawi coach Tom Saintfiet has named a 23-member squad for next month's World Cup qualifier in Nigeria with Mozambique based captain Joseph Kamwendo dropped.
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The Belgian said the squad will further be trimmed to 20 players to travel to Calabar on September 7 in the Group F decisive match. Malawi travels to Botswana on September 3 for the final preparatory match.
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Kamwendo was, alongside Robert Ng'ambi, Esau Kanyenda, Chiukepo Msowoya and Foster Namwela, unable to report for a friendly match which Malawi won 1-0 in Rwanda on August 14.
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While Ng'ambi, Msowoya and Namwela have made the one but final squad, Kamwendo who plays for Liga Muculmana, has not made it. Instead ex Santos midfielder Tawonga Chimodzi has since been recalled. Kanyenda misses out through injury.
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Kamwendo was earlier critical of the Football Association of Malawi's $10 000 pledge to the coach if he beats Nigeria at a time when players' demands for improved game bonuses were ignored. Malawi players get $80 each for a win.
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Also missing are veteran winger Fischer Kondowe and winger Fischer Kondowe and striker Gastin Simkonda. Malawi team has been punctuated with reports of indiscipline.
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Malawi leaves for Botswana on September 1 then for Abidjan then Calabar on September 4.
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Nigeria released their main 18-member squad of foreign based players. The Super Eagles lead the group on nine points and can qualify to the final qualifying round for a place at the World Cup with a draw whereas the Flames, on seven points, have a win as the only option.
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Flames full squad: Owen Chaima (Big Bullets), Charles Swini (Silver Strikers), James Sangala (free agent), Moses Chavula (Costa do Sol), Harry Nyirenda (Black Leopards), John Langesi (Civo United), Limbikani Mzava (Bloemfontein Celtic), George Nyirenda (Big Bullets), Lucky Malata (Silver Strikers), Foster Namwera (Ferroviaro de Nampula, Mozambique), Chimango Kayira (Big Bullets), Robert N'gambi (Platinum Stars), Dave Banda (Kamuzu Barracks),Tawonga Chimodzi (Greece), Phillip Masiye (Blue Eagles),Micium Mhone (Blue Eagles), Douglas Chirambo (Big Bullets), Peter Wadabwa (Golden Arrows),Chiukepo Msowoya (Maxaquene),Robin Ngalande (Wits University),Gabadinho Mhango (Big Bullets), Atusaye Nyondo (University of Pretoria), John C.J. Banda (Blue Eagles).
I strongly believe Nigeria's Super Eagles have been very strong when it comes to African football. So now I'm CONFIDENT in them!